The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the governments of Telangana and Chhattisgarh on Monday is only a baby step towards obtaining the power agreed upon, say experts. It will only pave way for booking grid corridor towards evacuation of power, but does not ensure immediate supply.
The MoU for supply of 1,000 MW of power from Chhattisgarh to Telangana was signed on Monday, during the Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao’s visit to the neighbouring state.
It is to be followed up by power purchase agreements (PPAs) between power utilities of both States and their approval by the respective electricity regulatory commissions. The PPAs will have to be submitted to the Power Grid Corporation, along with the application for allotment of grid corridor.
Grid corridor is not available as of now, as all the existing lines are already overbooked. Laying of fresh lines between Wardha and Dichpally for evacuation of power could take roughly 18 months, as per official estimates. Tenders for the same will be called next month, and awarding of contract could take a few more months.
However, power experts say that, at least three years would be required for realising the 1,000 MW supply in full. After awarding the contract, time required for completion of works, as per the Power Grid standards, is 27 months, they say.
As of now, much of the available grid corridor has been booked by Tamil Nadu, mainly through the recently laid Sholapur-Raichur line.
“Tamil Nadu had, two years ago, booked corridor for more than 4,000 MW through long term PPAs. Telangana will get space only after Tamil Nadu is served in full. This MoU will help in ensuring that we are next in queue,” Coordinator of TEEJAC K.Raghu said.
Though a press note from CMO informed that alternative lines are being considered, there seems no such possibility for continuous supply, he said. Corridor could be eased out only intermittently, when the demand in neighbouring states comes down.
Source: The Hindu
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